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Robert Duvall, the legendary actor whose career spanned more than seven decades and included iconic roles in “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now” and “Tender Mercies,” has died at the age of 95, his wife announced Monday.
Long before Hollywood came calling, Duvall kicked off his professional acting career at Bellport’s Gateway Playhouse, appearing as the pilot in the 1952 season’s production of “Laughter in the Stars,” an adaptation of “The Little Prince.”
After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he came back to Bellport for the 1955 season, further developing his acting chops while performing in “Time Out for Ginger,” “Picnic,” “The Cat and the Canary,” “The Crucible,” and “Dark of the Moon.” He quickly becoming an audience favorite.
One memorable moment came during “The Cat and the Canary,” when Duvall, playing the villain, missed a critical cue. His co-star improvised, turning his own hands around his neck to make it appear Duvall had carried out the stage murder — a story still fondly remembered by Gateway’s early company members.
In 1957, Duvall played Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” directed by Ulu Grosbard. Miller himself attended one of Duvall’s performances, and that appearance helped launch Duvall’s screen career; within two months, he was cast in a lead role on the television series “Naked City.”
Duvall made his big screen debut in 1962 as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He went on to earn an Academy Award for Best Actor for “Tender Mercies” and received wide acclaim for his roles in “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “The Great Santini.”
Praised for his commanding presence, depth and versatility, Duvall became one of the most respected character actors of his generation.
In his later years, Duvall continued to appear on both the big and small screens, bringing his trademark depth to a wide range of characters.
He was hilarious in the 2008 holiday comedy “Four Christmases,” and in 2022 he had a memorable role as the owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers in the Adam Sandler basketball-themed film “Hustle,” showcasing the same gravitas and presence that had defined his career for decades.
Son of a Navy officer
Duvall was born in San Diego on Jan. 5, 1931, to Mildred (Hart) Duvall, an amateur actress, and William Duvall, a Navy officer.
The middle son of three boys, he was raised primarily in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated from high school in St. Louis, Missouri, before studying acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York
His wife, Luciana Duvall, shared a full statement on Facebook:
“Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort,” she wrote. “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.
Gave everything to his characters
“His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented,” she continued.
“In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”
Top: Robert Duvall in 2014 (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) and GLI file photo of Gateway Playhouse.
